Star summer signing Jefferson Farfan capped his Al Jazira debut with a goal as they thrashed Al Ahli Doha 5-1.
Farfan, 30, became the headline arrival during a pre-season of change for the Pride of Abu Dhabi once he completed a €6 million (Dh24.2m) move from Schalke 04. The forward joined up with his new team-mates at the end of last month after Peru’s participation in the Copa America, donning the white jersey on Tuesday for the first time in an Austrian friendly.
“The most important gains in the last game against Al Ahli is the harmony of the players and no doubt the first appearance of Farfan at this level,” said Jazira general supervisor Ahmed Said.
“That he also registered a goal is a positive sign. We wish success to the team in the new season.”
الجزيرة #فخر_أبوظبي يقدم لاعبه الجديد جيفرسون #فارفان لوسائل الإعلام غدا الخميس. التفاصيل: http://t.co/CQXyhIEuz2 pic.twitter.com/3lRPwGNU60
— AlJazira FC Official (@AlJazira_uae) August 12, 2015
Returning coach Abel Braga saw his side respond excellently in their last game before returning to the UAE after going a goal down in the fifth minute. Farfan and fellow new boy Thiago Neves soon combined to set up deadly striker Mirko Vucinic for the equaliser.
Farfan then put Jazira ahead, setting up one of UAE forward Ali Mabkout’s brace prior to Vucinic’s effort.
Meanwhile, Al Shabab rounded off their Netherlands tour with a 1-1 draw against Jong Ajax.
The Hawks yesterday looked set for a famous victory against the youth ranks of the Amsterdam giants after Brazil international Jo converted a second-half penalty.
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But Caio Junior’s men could not hold out, 17-year-old Czech winger Vaclav Cerny score a brilliant individual equaliser.
Egypt midfielder Amr Al Sulaya has denied he is using Arabian Gulf League new boys Al Shaab as a stepping stone towards Cairo giants Al Ahly.
Al Sulaya, 26, completed a switch to the Commandos on Tuesday on a two-year deal. He had been chased all summer by The Club of The Century, but Ismaily would not sell to a domestic rival.
This has led to speculation the 19-times-capped Pharaohs star will head to Ahly next summer after a short UAE stopover, but he denied the claims at his Shaab unveiling.
“What I hear are just rumours, I will not pay them any attention,” Al Sulaya said. “I had a desire to join Al Shaab and leave a mark with the team.
“I am ready to fight in the Arabian Gulf League. I have watched some of the games recently, most notably ones played by Al Ain and Al Jazira.
“I look forward to realising the aspirations of Al Shaab.”
Al Sulaya completes the Commandos’ four-player foreign quota.
Chilean striker Matias Donoso has been bought from Cobresal and Timor-Leste defender Celio Santos has arrived from Tractor Sazi, French striker Michael N’dri being retained from the squad which finished second in the 2014/15 UAE Division 1 Group A.
